More than 200 City of Denver employees volunteered at sites across the city last Saturday, painting and performing a host of energy saving measures on the homes of 10 low-income seniors as part of a summer-long celebration for Brothers Redevelopment's 30th Anniversary Paint-A-Thon.

Volunteers from the city's volunteer group, Denver Employees Volunteer Opportunities (DEVO), visited several neighborhoods as part of the June 28 effort, including Clayton, Elyria-Swansea and Northeast Park Hill.

At the same time that DEVO volunteers were painting smiles on the faces of seniors, a crew from the city's Greenprint Denver initiative coordinated a variety of improvements designed to save them money and conserve energy.

Members of the city's 'Green Team' caulked windows and frames to better seal the homes from the elements and replaced incandescent light bulbs with longer lasting, energy saving compact florescent (CFL) bulbs. They also conducted water efficiency checks so that Denver Water could return to install low-flow toilets and showerheads that Denver Water can install for the lucky homeowners.

The city also picked up potentially hazardous household waste items from the properties, including old paint, CFLs, pesticides and other common chemicals. All services were completed free of charge.

"The members of DEVO and their families did a great job helping our clients on Saturday," said Jason Stutzman, Brothers Redevelopment's volunteer coordinator. "They really showed the city's commitment to residents and neighborhoods alike."

Longtime Villa Park homeowner Mary Benavidez shared Stutzman's sentiment. After living in her home for more than 45 years, she found herself unable to perform any routine maintenance on her modestRaleigh street residence.

"I'm really grateful for these peoplebecause I can't do things like this anymore,' Benavidez said. "When I tried to wash the walls last year and it took me almost three days."

DEVO regularly participates in the Paint-A-Thon-an effort that helps up to 100 homeowners each year and that has become one of the state's largest volunteer events that serve seniors.

Brothers Redevelopment decided to help DEVO stage a 'mini' version of the Paint-A-Thon last Saturday because many city employees will be unavailable in the weeks leading to and during the Democratic National Convention-precluding them from participating in the actual Paint-A-Thon, which takes place on Aug. 16.

A Paint-A-Thon devoid of DEVO would have disappointed dozens of Denver seniors, however, as house painting can be a cost-prohibitive expense for homeowners living on fixed incomes. These days, the cost of to paint a home can surpass $5,000 or more-a large amount that is out of reach for the average Paint-A-Thon recipient, who is 74 years old and living on monthly incomes of less than $1,000.

Brothers Redevelopment plans to paint 100 homes during the Aug. 16 Paint-A-Thon. Volunteer groups wanting to paint a home during the upcoming event, as well as seniors who want to find out if they qualify for the program, are encouraged to call 303-202-6340 or visit www.brothersredevelopment.org.

Denver homeowners wanting to learn more about conserving household energy or scheduling an energy audit can call 720-913-1311, or visit www.greenprintdenver.org. For more greening information to take the 'Take Five Pledge,' go to www.Greenprintdenver.org.

Brothers Redevelopment's 30 th Anniversary Paint-A-Thon is presented by American Family Insurance, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Diamond Vogel Paints, The Mountain West Sports Network, 9NEWSand KEZW 1430-AM.